Thirty-five-year-old Clegg supporter from a PR background

The 35-year-old MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey is a close ally of Nick Clegg and part of the 2005 parliamentary intake of rising stars. Under the new leader he remains spokesman for work and pensions.

Alexander, who backed Clegg for the leadership and helped out in his campaign, is skilled at courting the media and known to enjoy the limelight. Prior to becoming an MP, Alexander worked in press relations, running the PR team for the cross-party "Britain in Europe" campaign.

Since July, he has been the Lib Dems' lead spokesman on work and pensions. Prior to that he was spokesman on a range of issues, including social exclusion and disability. Married with one daughter, his hobbies include hillwalking and fishing.